Operations Advisor (Programme Liquidation)

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - PSC

Peace and Security Cluster

For over 20 years, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has provided its largest partner, UNMAS, with interlinked portfolio, programme and project management services that are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls.

Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the day-to-day management of UNMAS Field Programmes through a comprehensive approach encompassing areas such as human resources, procurement and contract management, as well as planning, implementation and risk management, that is supported by cross-cutting initiatives that include knowledge and information management, and gender, diversity and inclusion. This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented according to client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations through the leadership of the Cluster Director, who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients.

Background Information - Job-specific

The African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) - Ordnance Disposal Office (ODO) was established in May 2011. It has its main office in El Fasher, North Darfur co located with the UNAMID. To cover all of the Five Darfur States, UNAMID ODO has established sub offices in Nyala, Central Darfur, West Darfur and East Darfur. As the mine action component of UNAMID, the office is mandated to coordinate all mine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) clearance activities in Darfur.

Functional Responsibilities

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply!

Under the overall guidance and supervision of Ordnance Disposal Office (ODO) Senior Programme Manager and working closely with UNOPS Portfolio Manager, the Operations Advisor (Programme Liquidation) is responsible for the drawdown and liquidation of ODO, as the UNAMID mandate will expire on 31 December 2020.

Main duties and responsibilities are:

I. Liquidation Management

● Establish and implement a liquidation plan of Ordnance Disposal Office (ODO) and propose/allocate the necessary resources (funds and personnel);

● Reallocate resources (funds and personnel) as required within the resource planning and results management framework requirements of UNOPS/UNAMID;

● Lead the preparation and finalization of procurement plan, budget, statement of works, contracts and legal documents required for the liquidation in consultation with UNOPS Portfolio Manager;

● Coordinate with UNAMID Ordnance Disposal Office (ODO) mission liquidation team and advise UNOPS PSC Portfolio Manager to ensure that the liquidation is implemented in compliance with United Nations and UNOPS rules and regulations;

● Represent the UNAMID Ordnance Disposal Office (ODO) and participate in high level negotiations, meetings and follow-up with UNAMID and the stakeholders, including calculating and justifying the cost of UNOPS services;

● Establish procedures to integrate work with other team members and internal partners;

● Ensure timely and appropriate actions are carried out to meet the work and liquidation plan objectives;

● Represent the programme towards the local authorities, National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) and other stakeholders in terms of liquidation;

● Direct project staff in the timely preparation of liquidation reports, as requested by UNOPS/UNMAS and UNAMID, and produce a final lesson learned document;

● Supervise the programme liquidation team day-to-day tasks, and ensure that project closure policies, processes and methods are followed and practiced according to the UNOPS standards, best project closure practices are promoted.

II. Service Delivery and Operational Management

● Ensure that the asset disposal be implemented timely and in full compliance with applicable United Nations and UNOPS rules and regulations;

● Lead the preparation of contract documents and letters of agreement with institutions and United Nations agencies; administer contracts and agreements and process amendments, if required;

● Negotiate contracts for services, and monitor the liquidation of the contracts and agreements;

● Approve disbursement of allocated financial resources for the liquidation;

● Work with the UNAMID Office of Disposal Ordinance (ODO) Senior Support Officer and report to Darfur Senior Program Manager (SPM); liaise with UNOPS PSC Portfolio Manager;

● Interact closely with team members and internal partners to ensure consistency in service delivery and operating protocols;

● Maintain consultations, as applicable, with the United Nations country team, United Nations client institutions, field programme managers and staff and partners involved in the delivery of projects and programmes.

III. Knowledge management and technical support

● Contribute to UNOPS capacity-building in effective service delivery by focusing on learning, coaching and mentoring team members, field staff and internal partners;

● Advise on the development of tools and platforms for data and content management and ensure information and knowledge sharing;

● Maintain records of programme closure files and other necessary programme documents such as documentation of decisions and actions taken on programme issues and shared with New York Portfolio team for future reference and lesson;

● Establish and implement relevant standards, tools and templates to effectively manage programme closure and implementation;

● Identify, contribute to, record and share the ongoing development and implementation of best practice, lessons identified, challenges and innovative approaches to improve overall programme closure performance and prepare comprehensives reports.

IV. Programme Management and Oversight

● Provide advice to relevant stakeholders on mine action(Ordnance Disposal Office) assets disposal, explosive handling and destruction and do so in accordance with recognized international standards, and in acknowledgement of the relevant international treaties;

● Provide input to the UNAMID Mission integrated and support team on conceptual strategy development and management of the implementation of global UNMAS policy/strategy on UNMAS project closure/exit;

● Support the management team to translate the Strategy into implementation/results work plans and associated monitoring mechanisms and draft project closure documents as needed for effective implementation of the programme;

● Track and assess programme results against targets, alert relevant management if delivery is not on track, compile data and draft reports to internal and external stakeholders and support the management team to prepare for internal reviews;

● Manage the overall programme closure budget that may consist several funding sources and financial agreements;

● Oversee the preparation of project reports and briefs, financial aspects including, weekly and Monthly Progress reports and Final Reports;

● Act as the OiC for Senior Programme Manager as needed.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Masters’ Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; or
• First Level University Degree (Bachelor's Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience.

Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in operations management in either public or private sector organizations
• Experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is required
• Minimum one year of UN experience is required
• Experience in liquidation management is desired
• Experience conducting project closure is desired
• Experience working in a peacekeeping context is desired

Languages

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required
• Fluency in another UN official language is desired

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
2. Contract level: IICA-3 (ICS-11)
3. Contract duration: 4 months with possibility of extension subject to performance and to the possible extension of the mission's mandate.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.